McClaren: Hargreaves not ruled out

Hargreaves pulled out of training on Wednesday, complaining of tightness in his thigh.

He was immediately sent for a scan, prompting speculation that he would miss
the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel.

However, McClaren has confirmed the damage is not extensive and he is still
hopeful the Manchester United midfielder will be available.

'Owen's thigh felt tight after we started training on Wednesday, so he sat out
most of the session,' said McClaren.

'As a precaution he was sent for a scan.

'Thankfully the scan only revealed a small problem and we are hoping it will
clear.

'We are still hoping he will be available for Saturday, and he is definitely
not ruled out.'

McClaren confirmed the new injury is not related to the tendinitis problem
Hargreaves has been suffering from since the end of last season.

Before reporting the fresh problem, the Manchester United star had spoken of
his belief he could get through two games in five days, even though it is
something he has not managed since completing an £17million move from Bayern
Munich this summer.

And McClaren feels the determination Hargreaves has to play could be a factor
in whether the 26-year-old makes it onto the field.

'We will give Owen as much time as we can before making a decision,' he
said.

'He is a determined character and we know that he really wants to play.
Naturally, we won't take any unnecessary risks with him.'

Hargreaves' injury is the latest in a series of setbacks to hit the England
camp.

Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and David Beckham have already been ruled out of
the Israel game, along with Gary Neville and Kieron Dyer.

Such are McClaren's lack of options that Peter Crouch, who is suspended this
weekend, was forced to play in midfield during Tuesday's training session.

Aston Villa's Gareth Barry is the man most likely to profit should Hargreaves
fail in his fitness quest, although at least McClaren was able to offer some
good news, confirming Steven Gerrard came through training yesterday without a
problem.

The Liverpool captain is still suffering some slight discomfort from his
broken toe but it is looking increasingly likely he will be able to face Israel
without resorting to a pain-killing injection.

'We did have some positive news on Steven Gerrard yesterday, when he played a
part in training without any problems,' said McClaren.

'We will continue to assess him closely and stay in regular contact with the
medical staff at Liverpool Football Club, before making any decision as to
whether he will play.'

McClaren certainly finds himself in an unenviable position, with so many key
men either out, struggling or, in Michael Owen's case, just coming back from
major injury.

Yet the former Middlesbrough coach remains resolute in his belief England can
achieve a positive result at the weekend to retain a realistic chance of
reaching next summer's European Championships.

'As I have already said, regardless of who is injured, we are looking forward
to Saturday with confidence,' he said.

'I have told the players we have enough ability in the dressing room and it
is up to us to go out and get the result. We are good enough to do so.